Student’s Obsessions on Display in Sculpture Exhibition in Borland Gallery

UNREPRESSED, an exhibition featuring sculptures by Lindsey Hayakawa, a senior pursuing a B.F.A. in ceramics, will be on display in the Borland Gallery on the Penn State University Park campus, November 26-30, 2012. Gallery hours are 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., Monday-Friday. An opening reception will be held Monday, November 26, at 5:00 p.m.

Hayakawa describes her technique as combining ceramics and fibers to create abstract sculptures and installations. “UNREPRESSED is my exploration of vulnerability, obsession and transcendence, which is attained through my artistic process and methodology. My handling of the materials describes how I feel when I give in to my obsessions and become vulnerable, all while transcending reality and getting lost in the process.”

For example, “Blurring the Line” uses both clay and yarn as texture, form, and ornament. “I want this piece to seem inviting and familiar, so much so that the viewer is not afraid to touch it.” In counterpoint, “Personal Freedom” is composed of small, fragile ceramic drawings that are connected to each other by a black web-like fabric. “The materials represent fragility and exposure, while the scale and patterning connote an honest obsession that cannot be controlled.”

Pittsburgh native Hayakawa, who will be graduating in December 2012, started working with clay during her sophomore year at Penn State. “I am always excited whenever I am working in ceramics because of the risk and surprise element during the process. Firing kilns and mixing glazes, for example, can be risky or exciting because anything could happen during the process and could cause something awesome or horrible to happen.

Hayakawa comments that while society may force her to conform, making art is never forced and she is able to express herself in ways society would never permit. “I felt so perfect and wonderful and I knew that is how art should feel,” Hayakawa says. “My current work is tapping into that, as well as creating a venue to express my subconscious or repressed emotions that are not seen on the surface. I want the viewer to understand that giving in to obsessions and losing some control is personal freedom.” To learn more about Hayakawa, visit http://www.lindseyhayakawa.com/.